Will My Insurance Go Up After a Car Accident in Indiana?

The aftermath of a car accident often extends beyond the immediate concerns of physical well-being and repairs. For many drivers in Indiana, a looming question is how the accident will affect their auto insurance premiums.

The most critical question following an accident is who was at fault. How this question is answered in your case will impact your insurance rates moving forward. For drivers who were the victim of another person’s negligence, their rates should remain the same. Careful drivers should not be punished for someone else’s mistake. However, insurance companies often make their policies confusing and might increase your rates even if you were not at fault. Our team can step in and help show that the accident was caused by no fault of your own. We can help argue that, as a cautious and sensible driver, you deserve to keep the rates you have negotiated.

For a free review of your case with our Indiana car accident lawyers, call Wruck Paupore today at (219) 322-1166.

Will My Car Insurance Premiums Go Up After an Accident in Indiana?

One of the most pressing questions for Indiana drivers involved in car accidents is whether their insurance rates will increase as a result. The answer, however, often involves a variety of factors.

Fortunately, understanding these elements can help Indiana drivers better anticipate changes to their insurance premiums following an accident and how to avoid them. Our Indiana car accident attorneys are standing by to answer any questions you have about how to keep your rates the same following an accident. The following factors are typically considered when determining if your insurance will go up following a car accident:

Who is at Fault

In Indiana, an at-fault state, the determination of who caused the accident plays a significant role in insurance considerations. If you are found to be at fault for the accident, it’s more likely that your insurance rates will increase. This is because insurers view at-fault drivers as higher risk, which, in their model, justifies higher premiums to offset the potential for future claims. However, if you are not at fault, your rates might not necessarily increase, especially if you have a history of safe driving and no previous accidents.

Insurance Company Evaluations

Insurance companies employ complex algorithms to evaluate risk and determine premium adjustments after an accident. Factors such as the accident's severity, the cost of the claim, and the driver’s overall claim history are considered. For instance, a minor fender bender that results in a small claim might have less impact on your insurance premium than a major collision that leads to significant property damage or bodily injury claims.

Your Driving History

Your driving history is another critical factor that insurance companies consider when adjusting rates post-accident. Drivers with clean records might benefit from "forgiveness" policies that some insurers offer, potentially avoiding rate increases for their first accident. Conversely, those with previous infractions or claims might see more substantial increases because they are perceived as higher-risk drivers.

Policy-Specific Variables

Insurance policies vary widely; some include features that can influence how an accident affects your rates. For instance, accident forgiveness is a feature offered by some insurers that can prevent your first accident from affecting your premiums. Additionally, the specifics of your coverage, such as the amount of your deductible and the limits of your liability coverage, can also affect how an accident impacts your insurance costs.

How Long Will Accidents Remain on My Insurance Record in Indiana?

When you are applying for or renewing car insurance in Indiana, most insurance companies will consider any accidents or traffic violations that you have had within the past three to five years from the date of the incident. However, this period can vary depending on the specific policies of the insurance company you are dealing with and the severity of the accident.

For instance, if you were involved in a major accident that resulted in significant property damage or bodily injury, the insurance company might consider that incident for a longer period of time. Additionally, whether you made a claim against your insurance policy can also impact the length of time that the accident or violation stays on your record.

How to Keep Your Insurance Rates from Going Up in Indiana

You can take a number of steps to keep your insurance rates low. While it often takes patience to find the right insurance plan, the guide below will help you find a plan that fits your needs and keeps your rates manageable:

Shop Around for Better Rates

Exploring your options is one of the most effective ways to prevent your car insurance rates from skyrocketing or at least reducing the increase. The insurance market is highly competitive, and insurance companies adjust their rates to retain their customers or attract new ones.

If you have received a ticket in Indiana, your car insurance rates are bound to go up. However, you can minimize the impact by comparing quotes from different insurers and looking for discounts that can help lower your rates.

Maintain a Clean Driving Record

Maintaining a clean driving record is perhaps the most straightforward strategy for keeping your insurance rates low. Traffic violations, accidents, and speeding tickets are red flags for insurers, indicating a higher risk level. Driving safely, obeying traffic laws, and keeping a clean driving record are the best methods to keep insurance costs down in Indiana. Even a single traffic violation can significantly raise your insurance rates.

Accident Forgiveness Policies

Accident forgiveness is a feature offered by some insurance companies that can protect you from rate increases following your first at-fault accident. This policy feature can be a game-changer for drivers concerned about potential premium hikes after an accident.

However, it is important to understand the specific terms and conditions of accident forgiveness policies, as they can vary significantly between insurers. While not explicitly mentioned in the provided sources, the concept of accident forgiveness is increasingly common and worth exploring when shopping for insurance or reviewing your current policy.

Safe Driving Courses

Enrolling in safe driving courses is another effective strategy for preventing insurance rate increases. These courses are designed to improve your driving skills, making you a safer driver and reducing your risk of accidents.

Many insurance companies recognize the value of these courses and offer discounts on premiums for drivers who complete them. This approach helps keep rates down and contributes to overall road safety. In Indiana, it is a widely accepted practice among insurers to reward drivers who take proactive steps to improve their driving.

Our Indiana Car Accident Lawyers Can Help Answer Any Insurance Questions You Have

Contact Wruck Paupore today at (219) 322-1166 for a free case assessment with our Hobart, IN car accident attorneys.